Kankakee Times

U.S. Representative Robin Kelly has recently taken to social media to express concerns about the future of Medicaid and Medicare, as well as the rising costs facing families due to tariffs and inflation. In a series of posts, Kelly highlighted both national policy issues and their personal impact on American families.

On July 30, 2025, Kelly marked the anniversary of two major federal health programs, stating, "60 years ago, our country came together to form Medicaid & Medicare, two cornerstone programs that have helped generations gain access to healthcare to live in dignity. Now these essential programs & the 140 million people who rely on them are under attack by President Trump."

Later that day, she addressed economic pressures affecting back-to-school preparations for families: "As a grandmother, I want my grandbabies and their friends to return to school this fall having everything they need. But with President Trump’s tariffs and inflation, the cost for school supplies has risen, forcing many parents to go into debt or find strategic ways to save."

Continuing her focus on healthcare access on July 31, Kelly cited a specific example: "Medicaid is a lifeline for millions, like Kairo, whose 24-hr care allows his parents to work. Republicans’ cuts devastate families. I'm fighting to repeal the ugliest parts of the Big, Ugly Law to fund Medicaid. Hear Kairo's story"

Kelly has represented Illinois in Congress since winning a special election in 2013 and has consistently secured reelection by wide margins. In recent cycles she defeated Thomas Lynch in 2022 with over 67% of the vote; Theresa Raborn in 2020 with nearly 79%; David Merkle in 2018 with over 81%; John Morrow in 2016 with almost 80%; and Eric Wallace in 2014 with more than 78%. These electoral results reflect strong support within her district across multiple election cycles.